MOGADISHU, Somalia, Nov, 29 – The federal government of Somalia Sunday recalled its ambassador to Kenya Mohammed Ahmed Nuur to Mogadishu at the same time instructing Kenya’s ambassador to Somalia Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Lucas Tumbo to leave the country, after accusing Kenya of interfering with its internal affairs.
In a statement, Somalia’s ministry of foreign affairs and international cooperation revealed that it took the tough decision and that it shall review it once “consultations” between the two nations are done and completed.
“The Federal Government of Somalia expresses its regret in the government of Kenya’s overt and blatant interferences in the internal and political affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia which has the potential to be a hindrance to the stability, security and development of the entire region.” Somalia foreign ministry.
The Somalian government said that in recent weeks, it became apparently clear that Kenya was placing great political pressure on the regional president of Jubaland Ahmed Mohammed Islaan alias Madobe in order to pursue its political and economic interests in the country.
The alleged move has as a result been said to have influenced Madobe to renege on an election agreement reached with the Somali federal government back in 17, September, 2020.
“Somalia strongly upholds the principles of interdependence and maintaining our friendly relations with our neighbouring countries. However, the Federal Government of Somalia believes that the Kenyan government actions are not in line with the internationally recognised diplomatic relations enjoyed by Sovereign States.”
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Earlier this month a high ranking diplomatic team led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs principal secretary Amb. Macharia Kamau travelled to Somalia and held bilateral talks with the horn of Africa nation.
The discussions at the time were described by both countries to be “of great importance” entering on trade, security and regional cooperation.
Since the civil war in the 1990s and recent attacks by terror group Al-shahab on Kenyan soil, the relationship between the two neighbouring countries was considered to be on thin ice.
Kenyan troops have been in Somalia for at least a decade under AMISOM in peace efforts that have been credited to have restored stability in the volatile country.
Kenya and Somalia are also currently at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) over a maritime dispute which both countries lay claim.
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